William Temple Association Papers

The collection consists of records created during the foundation and later activities of the William Temple Association. The records mainly consist of correspondence, reports, research papers and papers produced by various W.T.A. organs: both national (National Council, Standing Committee, Graduates Committee) and the London branch (Programme Planning Committee, Executive Committee, Annual Meetings).

Two subfonds: General and London branch; then arranged by function.

Lambeth Palace Library printed book collection

The Association was founded in 1954 by a group of Anglican graduates and professionals, who felt the need to fit themselves to play a more effective part in the Christian life of their parishes, places of work and life of the community. Gradually the W.T.A. developed a system of branches: they could be formed by any group of 5 or more members. There were 18 branches in 1962 and 22 in 1970, linked together by the national Council (elected by the branches), which was to keep members in touch with each other, with the activities of other bodies in which they were interested and to co-ordinate and develop the Association's work. In 1962 the Council meetings were limited to two or three a year and the Standing Committee (consisting of the officers of the Council) had been formed and made responsible to the Council for carrying on day-to-day business. The Council also appointed a President of the Association. In 1968 the W.T.A. Trust was set up to provide additional funds in its educational activities. The Association organised national conferences, initially once a year. The W.T.A. as well as its branches also organised study groups, short courses, retreats and discussions on social, political and professional problems. Full membership was initially open to graduates and members of the professions who were communicant lay members of the Church of England; in 1967 membership of clergy and non-Anglicans was proposed (later, non-Anglicans could become associates). From 1976 the Association branches started to close down (3 branches in 1976: Loughborough, Peterborough and Reading) and the year marked the begining of the W.T.A. decline; in 1979 there were only 7 active branches.